A Long Weekend Adventure in Moab, Utah: Arches, Canyonlands, and Beyond
If you're looking for a long weekend filled with epic hikes, jaw-dropping landscapes, and some of the best outdoor activities in the U.S., look no further than Moab, Utah. Nestled between two iconic national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—Moab is an adventure lover's paradise. Whether you're chasing sunrises over Delicate Arch or exploring the dramatic cliffs of Canyonlands, there's no shortage of natural wonders here. And after a day of hiking, you can refuel with some delicious local eats at the town’s diverse food spots.
Arrival and Setup: Friday, June 30 - 9 PM
After a late-night arrival into Moab, we set up our camp and prepared for a weekend of adventure. The night sky in Moab is stunning, and even though we were tired, the stars were a mesmerizing sight to behold before crashing for the night.
Day 1: Saturday, July 1 - Exploring Moab's Trails and Paddleboarding
We kicked off our first full day in Moab bright and early, with a morning hike to Castleton Tower. This trail is a bit off the beaten path but rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the red rock spire towering above the landscape. It's a perfect way to start the day and get a sense of Moab’s rugged beauty.
In the afternoon, we switched gears and headed to the river for a SUP paddleboarding session. Moab’s heat can be intense, especially in July, so cooling off on the water was a refreshing change of pace.
To wrap up the day, we embarked on a sunset hike to Corona and Bowtie Arch. The sun sets around 8:47 PM during this time of year, and watching it dip below the horizon as the arches glowed in the fading light was nothing short of magical.
Day 2: Sunday, July 2 - Arches National Park
Our second day was all about Arches National Park, where we planned to see as much of the park as possible. We woke up bright and early for a 5 AM sunrise hike at Delicate Arch—the park’s most famous landmark. Watching the first light hit the arch as the sun rose at 6 AM was a moment we won’t soon forget. The trail is short but moderately challenging, making the view at the top even more rewarding.
Next, we made our way to Devils Garden—the last stop on the park road, just 15 minutes from Delicate Arch. Here, you have two great options: hike the out-and-back trail to Double O Arch or take the longer Primitive Loop Trail if you're up for more adventure.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the park’s various trails, from the Tower Arch Trail and Sand Dune Arch to the Windows Loop and Turret Arch. For sunset, we stopped at the Park Avenue Trail, which offers towering red rock formations that seem to glow under the golden light. If you're tired, you can drive here, but if you’ve still got energy, the short hike is worth every step.
Day 3: Monday, July 3 - Canyonlands National Park and Beyond
On our third day, we switched gears and headed to Canyonlands National Park. We started the day early with a 5 AM sunrise at Mesa Arch, a must-see for its stunning view of the rising sun through the arch, framing the canyon below. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park for a reason—it’s breathtaking!
Afterward, we hiked the Gooseberry Trail, which offers steep descents and jaw-dropping views of the canyon. If you have time, check out Upheaval Dome, an impressive geological formation that’s still somewhat of a mystery to scientists.
In the evening, we made our way to Green River Outlook for sunset, but not before hiking the Deadhorse Rim Loop Trail. The views from here are some of the best in the park, with panoramic sights stretching for miles. Watching the sun dip below the canyon’s edge while the sky lit up in shades of pink and orange was a fitting end to a perfect day.
Day 4: Tuesday, July 4 - A Relaxing Pool Day
After several days of hiking and exploring, we wrapped up our trip with a relaxing pool day, which was much needed after the weekend’s adventures. We left Moab around 6 AM, picked up the boy, and spent the day unwinding by the water.
Moab’s Must-Try Eats
Moab’s food scene is surprisingly diverse, with plenty of options to satisfy your appetite after a long day of adventuring. Here are some of our top picks:
Moab Food Truck Park: If you're looking for a casual bite, the food truck park offers a variety of delicious and quick meals. Perfect for a quick post-hike refuel.
Singha Thai Cuisine: For something a bit more exotic, this spot serves up some incredible Thai food. The curries and stir-fry dishes were flavorful and filling.
The Spoke on Center: If you're craving ice cream, head to The Spoke on Center for some creamy treats. It’s a perfect stop for cooling off after a day in the sun.
Sabaku Sushi: Yes, sushi in the desert! Sabaku is surprisingly good, with fresh fish and creative rolls. A great option if you're looking for something different.
98 Center Moab: For some locally sourced eats, this farm-to-table restaurant offers great food with a focus on fresh ingredients. Their pho is especially good if you're craving comfort food.
Love Muffin Café: We stopped here for breakfast and loved the vibe. The muffins are a must-try, and the coffee was spot on.
Moab Diner: A classic diner experience with hearty breakfasts and comfort food staples. The perfect place to fuel up before a day of hiking.
Moab is one of those destinations that offers something for everyone, from breathtaking national parks to an array of outdoor activities and excellent food. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual adventurer, or someone who just loves natural beauty, Moab is a place that stays with you long after you leave. We can't wait to return and explore even more of what this incredible area has to offer.
Curating Adventures That Ignite Your Spirit.
Warm Regards,
Haley | SoulSpark Travel
